Music lovers everywhere are turning to podcasts for their daily dose of musical learning.
These audio shows have become the perfect way to find new artists, learn crazy stories behind your favorite songs, and dive deep into music history.
The rise of music-focused podcasts has changed how we connect with music, offering everything from exclusive artist interviews to detailed song breakdowns.
If you want to find underground bands or understand the cultural impact of iconic albums, there’s a podcast waiting for you.
You’ll find the best music podcasts available today, carefully selected to help you expand your musical knowledge and find your next favorite artist.
Why Listen to Music Podcasts?
Music podcasts offer something special that regular radio shows simply cannot match. They give you the chance to learn about new artists and genres through thoughtful curation and expert recommendations.
These shows often feature behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews with musicians, producers, and industry insiders who share insights you won’t find anywhere else.
Many music podcasts focus on looking up music history, current trends, and the cultural impact of different genres.
These shows make perfect companions for your daily commute, workout sessions, or quiet moments when you want to relax and learn something new.
Top music interview podcasts bring you closer to your favorite artists than ever before.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Music Podcasts
With so many options available, it can be tricky to decide which music podcasts are worth your time. To help you narrow down the choices, here are some key factors that separate good shows from the truly great ones.
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Hosts | Engaging storytellers keep listeners hooked. |
| Genres | Variety ensures something for everyone. |
| Consistency | Regular episodes build audience loyalty. |
| Audio | Clear sound is essential for music-focused shows. |
| Reviews | Positive ratings reflect audience connection. |
| Balance | A mix of education and entertainment adds value. |
Choosing a music podcast that checks these boxes ensures you’ll always have a high-quality listening experience. Keep these factors in mind as you find out about the best shows to match your taste in music.
Best Music Podcasts to Tune Into
Music lovers don’t just want to listen to their favorite songs; they want to understand the stories, history, and cultural impact behind the music.
If you’re into pop, rock, hip-hop, country, or just love finding new artists, podcasts are one of the best ways to dive deeper.
Here’s a curated list of the best music podcasts that every fan should tune into.
1. Questlove Supreme
Hosted by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, this podcast delivers deep, unfiltered conversations with legendary and rising musicians.
Each episode blends music history, cultural context, and personal storytelling, creating long-form discussions that feel like hanging out in a studio with artists who shaped modern music.
Perfect for music lovers who enjoy deep conversations, industry stories, and legendary artist insights.
2. Switched on Pop
Hosted by musicologist Nate Sloan and songwriter Charlie Harding, this show unpacks the craft and cultural meaning of popular music. It’s smart, approachable, and makes you appreciate the hidden layers of pop hits.
Their discussions often turn casual listening into a masterclass in music theory and culture.
Perfect for pop lovers who want to understand what makes a hit tick.
3. The Ringer Music Show
Hosted by music journalist Charles Holmes and rotating Ringer contributors, this podcast features deep dives, artist discussions, cultural commentary, and music analysis.
Its conversational tone keeps episodes engaging, smart, and packed with discoveries.
Perfect for listeners who want a mix of pop culture perspective and modern music insights.
4. Broken Record
Hosted by Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, and others, this podcast mixes intimate conversations with legendary musicians and fresh new voices. It feels like eavesdropping on an honest chat in a recording studio.
Listeners get rare insights into artistry, creativity, and the struggles behind success.
Perfect for anyone curious about both legendary artists and modern music innovators.
5. All Songs Considered
An NPR classic where hosts introduce new releases, rising artists, and genre-spanning tracks. It’s a trusted space for music findings with expert curation.
The show has helped countless listeners broaden their tastes and uncover hidden gems.
Perfect for listeners who crave fresh music across all genres.
6. Dissect
A long-form podcast that analyzes albums track by track, finding the meaning and cultural impact behind them. Episodes often run deep, treating music with the seriousness of literature.
Each season focuses on a different artist, ensuring a rich, varied catalog of findings.
Perfect for fans who want to dive into music like a literature class for albums.
7. Bandsplain
Host Yasi Salek takes deep dives into cult-favorite bands and movements, often with humor and rich storytelling. She brings in guests to break down why certain bands have such devoted followings.
With her witty style, even complex or niche musical movements become approachable.
Perfect for listeners curious about cult bands and musical subcultures.
8. Sound Opinions
Music critics Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot review new releases, revisit classics, and debate major music trends.
With decades of experience, they bring sharp analysis, lively discussion, and thoughtful recommendations that help listeners discover great music while understanding its cultural impact.
Perfect for listeners who want expert opinions, album reviews, and informed music criticism.
9. The Talkhouse Music Podcast
A unique format where musicians interview fellow musicians, leading to candid and insightful conversations. The result is unfiltered, peer-to-peer storytelling that feels authentic.
These conversations often reveal unexpected perspectives that traditional interviews miss.
Perfect for fans who enjoy hearing artists talk to each other without filters.
10. Your Favorite Band Sucks
A funny, contrarian podcast that pokes holes in the mythology of some of the most popular bands.
It’s irreverent, witty, and a refreshing break from overly serious music talk. Expect hot takes that challenge fan loyalties while sparking plenty of laughs.
Perfect for music fans with a sense of humor and a love for hot takes.
11. The Modern Drummer Podcast
This is the official podcast channel of Modern Drummer magazine, featuring interviews with top drummers, gear discussions, and rhythm insights.
Their YouTube presence shares full interviews and performance clips through the “Modern Drummer Official” channel.
Perfect for drummers, rhythm section enthusiasts, and fans of technical, musician-centric conversations.
12. Song Exploder
A critically acclaimed podcast where musicians take apart their songs piece by piece, revealing the creative process behind the music.
Host Hrishikesh Hirway guides artists as they break down demos, lyrics, production layers, and the emotional stories behind their biggest tracks.
Perfect for listeners who love understanding how songs are built from the ground up.
13. Daebak Show with Eric Nam
Eric Nam hosts energetic conversations with K-pop artists, producers, and industry insiders. The podcast looks at Korean pop music from a global perspective, blending artist interviews, fan culture, and behind-the-scenes stories behind today’s biggest K-pop hits.
Perfect for K-pop fans who want insider stories and global perspectives on the genre.
14. Drink Champs
Hosted by N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, this long-running hip-hop interview show serves up candid, often hilarious conversations with rap legends and rising stars.
Episodes feel like lively roundtables where career milestones, beefs, and behind-the-scenes stories spill out.
Perfect for hip-hop fans who want unfiltered, story-packed interviews straight from the culture.
15. And the Writer Is
Songwriter Ross Golan interviews top songwriters about the process of creating chart-topping hits. It shines a light on the often-unsung heroes behind the biggest songs.
These conversations reveal how inspiration, hard work, and collaboration come together to make classical music.
Perfect for aspiring songwriters and fans of the creative process.
16. Rolling Stone’s “The 500 Greatest Songs” Podcast
This series from Rolling Stone dives into the stories behind its “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” learning why each track made the list and its cultural impact.
On YouTube, the podcast features a dedicated playlist with visual and audio episodes that dissect the music.
Perfect for music lovers who enjoy deep dives into canonical songs and the history behind them.
17. Tape Notes
Hosted by radio producer John Kennedy, Tape Notes brings artists, producers, and songwriters together to break down tracks layer by layer.
Using original demo files, guests explain how songs evolve from rough ideas into finished records, revealing creative decisions and production techniques.
Perfect for listeners who love understanding the songwriting and production process behind great songs.
18. ROOTS: Music History Podcast
This podcast digs into the roots of music across genres through powerful storytelling, history, and archival research.
Each episode explores how songs, artists, and movements connect to bigger cultural, social, and political narratives.
Perfect for listeners who love music history and want audio that feels cinematic.
19. Popcast (The New York Times)
The New York Times music podcast, covering the latest in pop, hip-hop, and broader cultural conversations.
It blends criticism with big-picture analysis of where music is heading. Episodes often tackle the artists, controversies, and sounds dominating today’s charts.
Perfect for listeners who want up-to-date discussions on modern music culture.
20. The 85 South Show
Hosted by comedians DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean, this podcast blends comedy, hip-hop, and raw cultural commentary.
Alongside plenty of laughs, the show features freestyles, live shows, and unfiltered conversations with artists and entertainers.
Perfect for listeners who love hip-hop culture, humor, and spontaneous, high-energy conversations.
21. Loudwire Podcast
The Loudwire Podcast brings heavy-music experts and artists together for raw conversations about rock, metal, and the stories shaping the scene.
Loudwire’s massive YouTube channel features interviews, trivia series, documentary-style videos, and exclusive performances.
Perfect for rock and metal lovers who enjoy high-energy discussions and insider perspectives straight from the scene.
How to Get the Most Out of Music Podcasts
Music podcasts aren’t just for passive listening; they can be powerful tools for learning and a deeper appreciation of your favorite sounds. With the right approach, you’ll get even more value from every episode.
- Follow & Subscribe – Always subscribe to your favorite shows so you never miss new episodes.
- Build Playlists – Create themed playlists from podcast recommendations to shape your own musical voyage.
- Pair with Streaming – Use Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube to instantly find songs mentioned in episodes.
- Join Communities – Engage with podcast forums, groups, or social channels to share recommendations and connect with fellow fans.
- Take Notes – Jot down artists, albums, or songs you find to turn casual listening into an active search.
- Stay Curious – Learn beyond your favorite genre. Podcasts often introduce hidden gems across styles.
By treating podcast listening as an interactive experience, you’ll not only find new music but also become part of a community that shares your passion.
Every episode can spark findings that stay with you long after the show ends.
Final Thoughts
Music podcasts have opened incredible doors to musical discovery and a deeper appreciation for the art form we love.
These carefully crafted audio experiences combine education with entertainment, bringing you closer to artists, songs, and genres than traditional media ever could.
If you prefer detailed analysis, exclusive interviews, or historical deep dives, there’s a perfect podcast waiting to expand your musical horizons.
Try different formats and styles to find what resonates with your listening preferences. Ready to learn the best music podcasts and expand your playlist?
Start with one recommendation from this list and let your musical voyage begin.
